Painted Egg Anyone?

It's pretty much common knowledge that Easter is a Christian celebration of Christ's rising, but this holiday also has pagan origins. Where did the colored eggs, cute little bunnies, baby chicks, leg of lamb dinners, and lilies come from?
 They are all symbols of rebirth and the lamb was a traditional religious sacrifice.

Easter falls in the spring, the yearly time of renewal, when the earth renews itself after a long, cold winter. The Easter Bunny arose originally as a symbol of fertility, due to the rapid reproduction habits of the hare and rabbit.

As a child, each Easter we would all get a hollow chocolate Easter bunny.  I have carried that tradition on with my kiddos and they love it!

I thought this was so cute~
I am fascinated by the amazing art that egg artist can create.  The International Egg Art Guild (IEAG) is a non-profit association of artists, artisans, and craftspeople who work with natural eggs (yes, real eggs) as an art or folk art medium.

Here are a few of my favorite designs!

Aren't they fabulous!
Now I'm really motivated to make my dipped eggs that I do with the kids each year! 
I've ordered this book so we can really have some fun.
By Gabriella Szutor

Happy dipping!
Ruthie

"All Natural" Spring Break

We went to the Hill Country close to Austin for Spring Break and really enjoyed it!  We traveled with family so that made the trip even better.  The kids got to hang out with their cousins and that was extremely fun for them!
We experienced hikes, the kids got to use our canoe on the lakes and rivers and the weather was divine!  Only one day of rain.
This beautiful swimming hole was on one of our hikes.
Here are some highlights from the trip. I love photography and on the hikes we took, I was always way behind everyone taking pictures and thinking about all the natural elements that  make such great design.
This was a great tower that everyone climbed.  Of course, I loved the modern wrought iron work along with the stone work.  The blue sky was spectacular. 

Great view at the top too!
Love the variation in each stone.
These texture and colors are so naturally handsome.
The sunshine on the green leaves were so eye catching.  Especially since we haven't seen sunshine like this in so long.  Spring is here!  Great vibrant colors to look forward to.
The small streams were so soothing and the sound of water pouring over the rocks is therapeutic
This log looked as if it had a soul because of the eye that stared back at me.  Do you see it?

This would make a great architectural piece
The reflection of the light on the water is so fresh and clean!  It felt great on my toes.
How could I decorate with these logs?  Would my husband let me drag them home?  I've been known to request these things you know.
So restful....  I especially love the way the rocks change color when they are wet.
Flowering trees were starting to bloom.
True picture of Texas landscape.
I'd like a little bridge like this in my backyard.  Simple, rustic but the natural elements are what I love.  No horse allowed though!
Taking time away from all the daily routines of life is a MUST.  I've found that when I'm out in nature camping in our RV, traveling from place to place with our kids and family, it's the time that I feel the most rested.    So much to see and all of God's nature is there to renew our souls. 
Here are a few ideas that inspired me along the lines of "all natural" furniture and decor.
 
See I could have brought home some nature to decorate with.  I LOVE THIS VIGNETTE!
Great centerpiece! The wooden plates are simply perfect.  How easy is this to do?
Want to hang your hat anyone?  Cute as can be!  This might be my spring project!
I know my husband would love this!  Wouldn't it be great if you stained these branches in a dark "espresso" or "walnut"?  It would make the room feel a little less cold.  The natural elements in the room are so pleasing to the eye.
I've used this idea before for draperies.  Think outside the box when it comes to your drapery hardware in your bedrooms, studies, etc.
Spray painted tree branches used as decorative artwork for a wedding arch. Pretty awesome.
Fun way to showcase jewelry or what about hanging different seashells?  I've done this for a curtain rod too.
Might use this idea for my outdoor patio party!  Fun wallpaper in the background.  The moss around the branches is what makes it look so finished and polished.
These are actual statues that are for sale.  See, I'm not loosing my mind!
The problem with vacation is there is always the day you have to come home.  Home is a good place but it means we get back to the routine of "busyness."  This vacation I have been reminded to slow down and enjoy family and friends more!  Life is too short to always be "busy"
Can you believe that we came home from Spring Break to snow. 
Texas weather is so unpredictable.
The day before we were sitting outside watching our kids in the canoe in 70 degree weather (2 hours away, I might add)  and now we are home and  have 2 inches of snow in our backyard! 
Crazy Texas Weather.
Life is beautiful... hope you take time to enjoy it!
Ruthie

Springtime backyard parties.

We are making great progress on our gazebo! 

I left the house on Saturday with three 13 year old girls to go shopping at the mall.  My youngest daughter (11 yrs old) wouldn't hear of shopping (yuck) and I left her with my husband in the garage with a pencil behind her ear, tape measure and the drill in her hand.
It made ME smile!!
I glanced at her finger and it was bleeding...I asked her what happened and she said "Oh, just a small flesh wound."  It was all wrapped up with a paper towel and duct tape.  She didn't even want to waste the time to get a band aid she was having so much fun helping her daddy using all the tools.
I later asked my husband what she did and he said it actually really looked like it hurt but she was tough.  This made HIM smile!
Cutest thing ever to watch their relationship grow while building something we can ALL enjoy.
The roof has to be added after Spring Break and then we'll add all the finishing touches like stain, lighting, curtains and furniture!
In the meantime, I'm planning a party!!! 
We have one each summer and it's time for another!
Friends and family 2008
Friends and family 2008
Here's the menu I'm thinking of...
Wine (good bottle of Spanish Wine) and beautifully displayed cheese tray to start the evening.
Shish Kabobs and fresh vege's on the grill.  Who doesn't like this in Spring/Summertime.
Fresh salad with Avocado (my favorite).  I have a wonderful "girlie" dressing that I love to make with Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar and Sugar!  It's divine.
or
Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese salad with basil leaves.  Yum!
Key Lime Pie for dessert.
Wow!  Wouldn't you love to be a guest at this party!  Simple thing like lights in the trees make this garden gorgeous at night.  Of course all the other landscaping and pool lights create the ambiance too.
Planning a fun backyard party is a great way to get you motivated for Spring and Summer.
It brings great joy when you have something to look forward to and it really does get you going on your backyard "to do" list.  It doesn't have to be a great big party.  A few friends over to sit and enjoy your patio is great fun too! 
This is my favorite time of year!
Happy Spring Break Everybody. 
I'm going to take a week off to enjoy my family!

Participating in Tablescape Thursday's
See sidebar to right to follow me on NetworkedBlogs.

Easter in Tuscany - come join me.

I've got the destination vacation bug in me since we went to Paris for Thanksgiving!
I came across this wonderful farmhouse in Tuscany that is available over Easter!
Come dream a little with me.....

You can book the whole farm for 4 nights at your choice at a price of 460 Euros.  Which is equivalent to approximately $700.
Services included:
Welcome basket
Breakfast basket on Easter
Bed linen and towels
Heating for Villa 
Firewood.
 
Look at the green grass and the beautifully shaped trees! 
I wonder if it looks like this during this time of year?
This view is breathtaking.
View of the castle next door.
Love the path that leads to the pool.  What a great shape too.
I wonder who has walked this path?  Wouldn't you love to know who has lived here?
Peaceful gardens.  Great lawn for kids to do cartwheels.
Such character.  I would pull the chairs up closer to the fire and I'd be in heaven.
 I wonder if it's cold? 
 I usually love color on the walls but this white stucco is so clean and refreshing.  It also showcases the woodwork and tile on the stairs. 
I'd have so much fun furnishing this farmhouse. 
First thing to go would be the PINK love seat and green pillows.
Oh, this fireplace mantel could be so much fun to decorate.
Love this wine cellar. The stonework on the floor is beautiful. 
The bell on the wall is so quaint.  We use to have one at our previous house but left it hanging on the front patio.
I wonder if this bell is ever used? Who has it invited in for dinner?
Isn't the built in bench and the wooden bench so fun?
I wonder what is in the little cubbie hole?
The above image shows the external access to one of two bedrooms. This room is facing the garden surrounded by a large area of forest green Mediterranean. The picture shows the large glass window that separates the room from outside, is not visible because it was deliberately left open.
Beautiful brick work.  This is what all the faux artists try to copy in our "Tuscan" houses that we build here in the US.

Living room with such a beautiful view.  Can you just imagine this at night with the fireplace going?
The Lavendar on the table is probably fresh from the garden.
This rustic farm table is very similar to the one I use in my office as my desk.
Thanks for dreaming with me!
Ruthie

Bob the Builder is in the house

Progress has started on our back patio.  Yippee!!
Our gazebo has been started.
Here are a few sneak peaks.

Patio furniture has been put away and is getting ready to be refurbished by me and  "Miniwax" of course!
All 5 posts are up!
Deck has been put back together.
I like the view of the good looking guy that is building my gazebo.  Something about men and their tools. Luckily he's my husband or I'd be in trouble.
I'm shopping for flowers for the flower pots
 and can't wait to bring things back to life after the winter.
Goodbye old Gazebo, you gave us much pleasure!
Happy Weekend All!